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Arrest made in fatal hit-and-run

Published: Monday, July 1, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, July 1, 2013 at 12:45 p.m.

A Leland man was arrested Saturday in connection with an accident in which a moped rider was killed.

Freddie Lee Riley, 48, is being held in the New Hanover County jail on charges of felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor death by vehicle.

According to Wilmington Police Department spokeswoman Linda Rawley, officers responded to the intersection of Greenfield and South 15th streets just before 2 p.m. after a vehicle struck a moped and then fled the scene.

Moped driver Bryan Orlando Copeland, 22, of Wilmington, died at the hospital.

Officers on the scene said several eyewitnesses to the accident provided police with information which ultimately led to Riley's arrest at 2:22 p.m. at his home on Grist Creek Wind in Leland

"We appreciate the quick response of the community to help officers locate the suspect. Residents were key in helping us to do our job," said WPD Capt. Jim Varrone.

Riley's bail is set at $25,000.

In December 2011, Riley was placed on 30 months probation on a charge of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, according to Department of Correction records.

The records also show convictions for possession of controlled substance, sales of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.

<p>A <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9971"><b>Leland</b></a> man was arrested Saturday in connection with an accident in which a moped rider was killed. </p><p>Freddie Lee Riley, 48, is being held in the New Hanover County jail on charges of felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor death by vehicle.</p><p>According to Wilmington Police Department spokeswoman Linda Rawley, officers responded to the intersection of Greenfield and South 15th streets just before 2 p.m. after a vehicle struck a moped and then fled the scene. </p><p>Moped driver Bryan Orlando Copeland, 22, of Wilmington, died at the hospital. </p><p>Officers on the scene said several eyewitnesses to the accident provided police with information which ultimately led to Riley's arrest at 2:22 p.m. at his home on Grist Creek Wind in Leland</p><p>"We appreciate the quick response of the community to help officers locate the suspect. Residents were key in helping us to do our job," said WPD Capt. Jim Varrone.</p><p>Riley's bail is set at $25,000. </p><p>In December 2011, Riley was placed on 30 months probation on a charge of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, according to Department of Correction records. </p><p>The records also show convictions for possession of controlled substance, sales of a controlled substance and resisting arrest.</p><p>F.T. Norton: 343-2070</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @FTNorton</p>